Bolinao Marine Laboratory (Pangasinan)

Bolinao Marine Laboratory

After our brief rest stopover at El Pescador Beach Resort, we proceeded to the Bolinao Marine Laboratory (BML), the official marine station, started in 1983, of the Marine Science Institute (MSI), University of the Philippines.The BML, located 2 kms. from Bolinao town proper, has a main laboratory building (with research lab and classrooms), administration building, staff houses, dormitories and a land-based hatchery.  A venue for research work, BML also aims to be a focal point for extension activities involving the municipality and the various communities inhabiting the coast; serve as an educational exhibit center for research activities on marine science; to offer direct service to the local community in the form of environmental education programs and; to assist in the formulation of coastal management plans for the municipality.

Giant clams

At BML, we observed the laboratory’s propagation of the endangered giant clam (Family Tridacnidae),  sea urchins and certain species of sea cucumbers through grow out culture and sea ranching.  The sea cucumber Holothuria scabra, one of the most expensive if not the most expensive in the market, are, once bred, are then planted in research pens in Santiago Island.  Sea urchins (scientific name: Tripneustes gratilla), locally called uni, have been overharvested by fishermen in the 1980s and 90s for the Japanese market. These too are bred, fed with processed sea weeds (sargassum) in a hatchery and re-seeded.  BML also does habitat restoration (e.g., coral transplantation) and sets up marine protected areas for coral and sea grass conservation. 

Bolinao Marine Laboratory: U.P. Marine Science Institute (MSI), Brgy. Luciente 1, Bolinao, Pangasinan.  Tel: (075) 541-8022 ext. 102. E-mail: chin445@yahoo.com.

7 thoughts on “Bolinao Marine Laboratory (Pangasinan)

  1. Good AM. I’m Joana May Faustino from Bulacan State University po. Gusto ko lang po sanang itanong kung tumatanggap po kayo ng OJT for summer po sana. BS Biology Student po ako. Kung sakali po ano po yung requirements? Maraming salamat po.

  2. Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information approximately this subject for a long time and yours
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  3. Hello Benjie! I’m working on my undergraduate Architectural Thesis hoping that you may help me with this. I’m planning to conduct a research related to architecture aspect. Thinking of redeveloping or improving there facilities. Can I ask you a feedback regarding with there facilities? Is there any problem that need be fix or improve? What issues did you observe or encountered during your visit?

    • My visit to the laboratory was 8 years ago and it was quite short. As with any research facility in the country, their usual problem is funding. Their facilities may need upgrading but I didn’t notice any big problem. BTW I am also an architect

      • Wow your an Architect pala sir, such an honor po sir to encounter random person especially an architect like you.
        Sir if it’s ok to you, can I ask you questions to help me with my thesis, as an Architect base on your observation is there any need po of redeveloping the BML for better work environment?

        p.s
        sir I message you po on your facebook account.

        • My visit there was short and I didn’t get to see all of the facilities nor observe what the staff were all doing. What I do know is there is a shortage of dedicated scientists willing to do such research with such a small pay that the national or local governnent gives. Such dedicated staff usually go abroad in search of greener pastures.

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